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As we enter the new year, it is important to stay informed about the latest health updates for 2023. In this article, we will explore the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace plan selections, the impact of new policies on healthcare coverage, and the availability of the Beyfortus monoclonal antibody for infants. Let’s dive in!
Affordable Care Act Marketplace Plan Selections
The 2024 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period (OEP) opened on November 1, and approximately 4.6 million people have already selected an ACA Health Insurance Marketplace plan. This number includes both new enrollees and individuals who have renewed their coverage for 2024.
- 920,000 people, which is 20% of the total, are new to the Marketplaces for 2024.
- 3.7 million people, which is 80% of the total, have active 2023 coverage and have returned to their respective Marketplaces to renew their coverage or select a new plan for 2024.
These numbers indicate a strong enrollment increase during 2023, with approximately 1.5 million more people enrolling in Marketplace coverage nationwide from March to September 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This is attributed to the new and stronger Marketplace systems and policies that have made affordable and comprehensive coverage more accessible.
Impact of New Policies on Healthcare Coverage
The new and improved Marketplace systems and policies have had a positive impact on helping people access affordable and comprehensive coverage through the Marketplaces. One significant group benefiting from these policies is individuals transitioning from Medicaid coverage. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, states have resumed Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility renewals for the first time in three years. This transition has contributed to the increase in Marketplace enrollment.
Thanks to the historic Inflation Reduction Act, this year, four out of five people can find a plan for $10 or less per month after subsidies on HealthCare.gov. Additionally, nearly 96% of HealthCare.gov consumers will have the option to choose plans from at least three health insurers. These lower costs and better benefits are available to more Americans, ensuring access to quality healthcare.
Availability of Beyfortus Monoclonal Antibody for Infants
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the release of more than 77,000 additional doses of Beyfortus (nirsevimab-alip), a long-acting monoclonal antibody designed to protect infants against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease. These doses will be distributed immediately to physicians and hospitals through the Vaccines for Children Program and commercial channels.
The availability of nirsevimab-alip is crucial for parents seeking to protect their eligible children, especially those at high risk of severe illness from RSV. The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are working closely with manufacturers to ensure the availability of additional doses throughout the year and into early 2024 to meet the demand.
To make the immunization more accessible, the CDC has taken steps to streamline the ordering process for doctors through the Vaccines for Children program. This program provides vaccines to half of America’s children, ensuring that a larger number of infants can receive protection against RSV.
Furthermore, the CDC and FDA have collaborated with medical groups like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to encourage the use of the RSV maternal vaccine. This vaccine helps protect babies against RSV before they are born, providing an additional layer of protection.
The CDC has also been in regular contact with clinicians across the country, urging them to prioritize nirsevimab-alip for infants at the highest risk during this period of limited supply. This includes young infants up to six months old and American Indian and Alaska Native infants, among other vulnerable groups.
In conclusion, these health updates for 2023 highlight the positive impact of new policies on healthcare coverage, the accessibility of affordable marketplace plans, and the availability of the Beyfortus monoclonal antibody for infant protection against RSV. Stay informed and take advantage of these advancements to ensure the health and well-being of yourself and your loved ones.